This is general guidance based on U.S. Department of Energy AFDC. Actual charger behavior varies by manufacturer and firmware version. Always follow on-screen instructions and contact the charging network if you are unsure. If anything looks or feels unsafe, stop charging and move away from the charger.
Your vehicle's 12V auxiliary battery is too low. Even though your EV has a large high-voltage battery, it also has a small 12V battery that powers the vehicle's computers, locks, and charging communication. If this battery is dead or very low, charging cannot start.
Seeing this on the charger right now?
- Don't unplug while the charger is active. Wait for the screen to update.
- Try stopping and restarting the session from the charging app or RFID card.
- If the error persists, move to a different connector or charger if available.
Read the full explanation below, or scan the charger screen with EVcourse for instant help.
What to do
- Try locking and unlocking the car, then retry charging
- If the vehicle is completely unresponsive, the 12V battery may need a jump start or replacement
- Leaving an EV unplugged for weeks can drain the 12V battery
- Contact your vehicle manufacturer or roadside assistance
Technical details
- Error code
- TwelveVoltBatteryLow
- Category
- Vehicle
- Classification
- maintenance
- Source
- Based on data from U.S. Department of Energy AFDC. EVcourse is not affiliated with U.S. Department of Energy AFDC.
Related charging terms
Understanding these terms can help you troubleshoot this error:
Seeing this error at the charger?
Drivers can verify this specific error by scanning the screen with EVcourse. The app reads any charger display, any language. Free to try on iOS.
Other errors
From Finn, engineer: This error code is part of the ChargeX MREC standard used across public charging networks. Always follow the instructions on the charger display. If the error persists, contact the charging network's support line or try a different charger.
The EVcourse app provides instant troubleshooting and expert explanations at the charger. Scan any station or car screen for step-by-step help, free to start on iOS.
Don't understand the screen? Scan it.
Point your phone at any charger or car screen for instant help. Any brand, any language. Free to try on iOS.
Free to try on iOS. Android coming soon. Join the Android waitlist.